University’s Bateman PR Team Begins Campaign to Change Direction

The team will have a table set up from 12:20-1:20 p.m. in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center Commons area to invite students to take the pledge to learn the five signs of emotional suffering: withdrawal, personality change, hopelessness, agitation and poor self care. Students also will have the opportunity to paint their handprint on symbolic canvases to be displayed throughout the campaign. An on-site survey also will be offered to support the campaign.

This local effort is part of the Campaign to Change Direction, a global cause directed at educating and understanding emotional suffering and changing the culture around mental health. The goal of this campaign is to inform but also encourage open conversation about the topic, as well as generate interest in continuing the cause after the campaign is over.

The group plans to host one event each week of the campaign including participating in Comm Week’s Story Slam at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. They will then present Connect, Compassion, Change, an informational support group, at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 and Midterm Stress Relief at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 8.

The team leading the campaign also plans to present a short Change Direction presentation to student and community organizations. The group will utilize social media to spread its message through Instagram and Snapchat at @WTChangeDirection, and host a Facebook takeover through the WT Counseling Services account. They have been invited to present their project to the Amarillo branch of the American Advertising Federation March 22.

Students who participate at all four events will be entered to win $50 in BuffCash at the end of the campaign. The group is also offering gift cards to be given away at random for those who take part in the research survey.

The five-student select team of mass communication students created this campaign as part of the PRSSA national student competition. Students from all over the country are creating mental health awareness in their communities and on their campuses. If selected as a top-three finalist, the group has the potential to present their campaign to a panel of judges in May, as well as a chance to win cash and trophy prizes.

For more information about the campaign, peer groups or information or to arrange a community or organizational presentation, please contact Korbin Richardson, campaign director, at 806-477-2690 or korbinrichardson12@gmail.com.